Rumors have been circulating online about a rift between Han Zhiyuan and Tang Yifeng. One is an actor, and the other is a singer, so they shouldn’t have much interaction. However, the rumor allegedly originated from within W Company, which makes sense. Before terminating his contract, Tang Yifeng and Han Zhiyuan were both in the same company, so they did have occasional interactions back then.
There is ample evidence of their discord online, although neither has openly acknowledged it. For instance, in a certain show, they were subtly and overtly competing against each other, especially Tang Yifeng, whose actions were particularly noticeable. Their interactions on Weibo were also telling.
For example, not long ago, during the recording of a popular music talent show, a certain team tried to promote the show by associating it with Han Zhiyuan, who was at the top of the popularity charts due to a hit drama. They claimed, “The rumored male god Han Zhiyuan might appear as a guest in the finals.”
This was clearly a publicity stunt. Although Han Zhiyuan had fewer roles recently, each one was a high-quality production with significant investment. Besides necessary promotional activities for his dramas, he rarely appeared on any variety shows, which became a major selling point for the rumors. However, before Han Zhiyuan’s team could deny it, Tang Yifeng, one of the judges, spoke out. Tang Yifeng directly mentioned the Weibo post, saying, “Music is not a child’s play!” It was clear he was expressing dissatisfaction.
Dissatisfaction with whom? It was obvious. The so-called list revealed on Weibo included many music bigwigs, along with two lesser-known artists, one of whom was Han Zhiyuan, who was rumored to have issues with Tang Yifeng.
Subsequently, news broke that Tang Yifeng refused to record the show due to the invitation of a certain actor with the surname H, and there were even rumors of him considering terminating his contract. This news quickly spread among netizens, who almost immediately believed it. This was definitely not a publicity stunt.
Why would he terminate the contract after recording for so long? The losses would be huge. For Tang Yifeng, who was just starting to make progress in his music career, such an opportunity was extremely valuable. To maintain his own music studio, he had to endure participating in the show despite his aversion. Would he incur another penalty due to Han Zhiyuan? The audience found it all too characteristic of Tang Yifeng.
Following this, Han Zhiyuan’s team denied the rumors, stating that the matter was baseless and that Han Zhiyuan was currently very busy. The implication was clear: who had the time to be a guest on their show?
The situation reached its climax when Han Zhiyuan posted a meaningful Weibo message.
Right after his team denied the rumors, Han Zhiyuan posted a poetic message, “The beauty of a lotus lies not just in its purity despite growing from the mud, but also in its all-encompassing heart.” (The accompanying picture was of a blooming lotus, its petals facing the sky, with a few crystal-clear water droplets, making it exquisitely beautiful.)
Those who didn’t understand thought the male god was talented and good-looking, while those who did understood immediately. Who was he referring to? It was a satirical remark about a certain someone who emerged untainted from the entertainment industry’s muck.
Netizens quickly gathered to watch the unfolding drama, knowing that even if the two main characters didn’t speak up, their fans would put on a good show.
Sure enough, Tang Yifeng soon responded. Without saying anything, he posted a picture of a pond with fish and lotus flowers. On the shore, a crooked tree had two overly long branches reaching into the pond, and a man was holding an axe, ready to cut off the excessively long branch. The message was clear: cut off what grows too long!
The audience found the drama highly entertaining.
However, Han Zhiyuan was busy filming, and Tang Yifeng was negotiating with the show’s team. The two main characters quietly exited the stage, but their fans continued to argue on Weibo and forums for a whole week.
Amidst this situation, Han Zhiyuan posted that Weibo message, causing quite a stir. Netizens scrutinized every word, even the punctuation, trying to decipher any hidden meaning. They concluded that there were three possibilities: one, Han Zhiyuan mistakenly tagged someone and was too embarrassed to delete it; two, he was clarifying the previous lotus satire; three, he had lost his mind!
Netizens preferred to believe the first possibility.
Tang Yifeng’s response, “Crazy!” without naming anyone or tagging anyone, was clear to everyone. Han Zhiyuan’s fans lamented that their male god’s confusion had embarrassed them, and Tang Yifeng’s fans reveled in the drama.
Han Zhiyuan, however, didn’t mind. He enjoyed the rare leisure time. After spending so much time evading danger in the Nine Days Continent, he appreciated the chance to adjust his diet and take care of his stomach. He had to complete two scenes for the production team, and with the upcoming year-end events, he had few other obligations. He enjoyed the peace, knowing he wasn’t a true actor and might affect his original acting career.
Han Zhiyuan also enjoyed following Tang Yifeng’s updates, hoping to awaken something within him. Soon, he found an opportunity to meet Tang Yifeng.
Three days later, there was a grand domestic awards ceremony, where he was nominated for Best Actor, and Tang Yifeng was listed among the attendees. Han Zhiyuan was very much looking forward to it.
Luckily, he saw Tang Yifeng on that day. The moment he felt the presence, Han Zhiyuan’s soul confirmed it was indeed him, the remnant soul of the demon king.
Despite claims of Photoshop, Han Zhiyuan thought Tang Yifeng looked even better in person.
Dressed in a deep black, cool outfit without any flamboyance, Tang Yifeng’s slightly tight black pants showcased his long, straight legs perfectly. His chestnut hair was just the right length and color, fitting him perfectly. With such good looks, he could pull off any hairstyle.
With fair skin and exquisitely defined features, his face was breathtaking. No wonder he was considered the most handsome in the entertainment industry. Despite this, he didn’t seem at all pretentious.
Han Zhiyuan occasionally glanced at Tang Yifeng, who was several seats away, especially noticing the two unbuttoned shirt buttons revealing his fair, sexy collarbones.
He looked very… appealing.
Tang Yifeng remained aloof as always, maintaining his high-ranking status in the entertainment world, staring straight ahead with no expression, unlike the other artists who whispered and laughed around him. His area was quiet because of his presence.
Those around him didn’t dare to speak, let alone talk to him, fearing the awkwardness of being rejected.
Finally, a young artist next to him seemed restless. Han Zhiyuan took the opportunity to suggest switching seats with her. Han Zhiyuan then sat next to Tang Yifeng, receiving a grateful look from the young artist and appreciative glances from other celebrities.
“However, when Han Zhiyuan sat next to Tang Yifeng, the latter still had an indifferent expression, as if he didn’t care about anyone. Han Zhiyuan fearlessly leaned his head close to Tang Yifeng’s face and smiled, ‘Hello, long time no see.’
Tang Yifeng: … ‘What do you want?’ His voice was indeed pleasant to the ears, but it carried a hint of rejection.
Han Zhiyuan smiled broadly, ‘Nothing, just saying hello. Don’t be nervous.’
Tang Yifeng: … Who’s nervous? Freak.
His gaze was so straightforward that Han Zhiyuan couldn’t help but cough. But he didn’t mind. He thought, take it slow. With Tang Yifeng’s personality, if Han Zhiyuan didn’t take a more indirect approach, he might never have any interaction with him. At the same time, dealing with such a person requires absolute patience and a fearless determination—or in other words, a thick skin. Otherwise, it would be pointless.
Han Zhiyuan discreetly observed the person next to him, maintaining a smile on his face and occasionally chatting softly with a stylish artist beside him.
Two people, rumored to be unfriendly in the entertainment circle, sat together. Although they were very different individuals, their looks attracted a lot of attention.
Han Zhiyuan waited until the end of the ceremony without making any further moves, knowing that acting too hastily would be counterproductive.
During the ceremony, Tang Yifeng performed two songs. Han Zhiyuan watched him intently, never taking his eyes off him. The Tang Yifeng on stage, fully immersed in his performance, was very different from the cold and aloof Tang Yifeng offstage. His complete dedication to music made him extraordinarily charismatic. Especially with his captivating voice that appealed to both men and women, it was hard not to be enchanted by him. Coupled with his exquisite appearance, it made many fans scream uncontrollably.
The ceremony, being a live broadcast, continued until midnight. By then, everyone was exhausted. In the blink of an eye, Tang Yifeng had disappeared from Han Zhiyuan’s sight. Han Zhiyuan had to patiently greet and say goodbye to several industry seniors who had been kind to him, and then bid farewell to close friends before heading back to the hotel. It was already 2 AM by then.
But as fate would have it, just as Han Zhiyuan turned a corner in the hotel, he saw a familiar figure. Though it seemed a bit melodramatic, he couldn’t help but silently whistle and think, ‘Heaven is helping me.’
Just as he exited the elevator and turned the corner, a hot body bumped into him. The next second, Han Zhiyuan was pushed away. Looking closely, it was none other than the talented singer, Tang Yifeng.
Tang Yifeng’s steps were unsteady. The push almost made him stumble, and his usually fair face was flushed with an unusual redness. His sharp, cold eyes were now somewhat unfocused and misty.
Han Zhiyuan immediately guessed what was happening. Although it seemed melodramatic, he couldn’t help but think, ‘Heaven is truly helping me.’ This situation seemed tailor-made for Han Zhiyuan.
‘Are you okay?’ Han Zhiyuan reached out to steady him, showing concern.
But Tang Yifeng, as if electrocuted, fiercely pushed him away, his face full of anger and disgust.
‘Get away from me! Don’t touch me!’
However, in his excessive force, he stumbled forward. His legs, seemingly out of control, couldn’t support his weight, and he fell straight down.
Han Zhiyuan quickly caught him, feeling the heat emanating from Tang Yifeng’s body. Their faces were so close that he could clearly feel the warmth from Tang Yifeng’s flushed face. His exceptionally handsome face, now red and his thin lips even more enticing, made Han Zhiyuan’s blood surge.
‘Let go of me! Let go!’ Tang Yifeng struggled to control his body, especially against the unfamiliar and maddening sensation. He tried to push Han Zhiyuan away but found his limbs completely uncooperative.
Han Zhiyuan firmly held the swaying figure in his arms. ‘You need help,’ he said seriously, looking into Tang Yifeng’s eyes. His eyelashes were long and beautiful. Although Tang Yifeng was tall, he was still half a head shorter than Han Zhiyuan, who easily restrained him, speaking earnestly, ‘Don’t worry, I won’t do anything to you.’
‘You…’
Tang Yifeng’s words were cut off by the sound of hurried footsteps from around the corner. Both men froze. Han Zhiyuan could feel Tang Yifeng’s body stiffen.
With the footsteps approaching, Han Zhiyuan quickly turned and pressed Tang Yifeng against the wall, wrapping one arm tightly around his back while the other hand cupped his face, covering half of it. Then, under Tang Yifeng’s incredulous gaze, Han Zhiyuan tilted his head and pressed his lips to Tang Yifeng’s.
In that moment, Han Zhiyuan could feel Tang Yifeng’s body stiffen. He had no doubt that the next second Tang Yifeng would lash out and tear him apart.
So, just before Tang Yifeng went berserk, Han Zhiyuan smiled and cleverly placed his thumb between their lips, preventing actual contact. Despite this, the close proximity and the feeling of each other’s breath made Tang Yifeng instinctively want to push him away.
However, Han Zhiyuan, who exercised regularly, was strong, and Tang Yifeng’s body had gone limp and unresponsive. His struggles seemed like a child’s play, like a kitten clawing.
As the footsteps approached, Han Zhiyuan pressed closer to Tang Yifeng, completely covering him. From behind, it looked like a tall man kissing someone against the wall. The person inside seemed to be a man, but nothing else could be seen.
‘If you don’t want to be discovered, don’t make a sound,’ Han Zhiyuan whispered threateningly, with a hint of amusement.
Tang Yifeng, enraged to the point of his face twisting, immediately froze. His eyes burned with anger, filled with resentment and unwillingness, but he stopped struggling. His hands on Han Zhiyuan’s chest dug in tightly, as if trying to claw out his heart, causing Han Zhiyuan to almost grimace in pain.
When the two men in black suits entered the elevator, Tang Yifeng finally pushed Han Zhiyuan away, nearly falling to the ground himself. He steadied himself against the wall, glaring at Han Zhiyuan with intense hatred, as if wanting to skin him alive.
Han Zhiyuan, unconcerned, leaned casually against the exit, watching him with a smile. Tang Yifeng gave him a vicious glare before stumbling towards the elevator. His body was growing hotter, his vision blurred with mist, and his mind becoming sluggish.
Han Zhiyuan called after him, ‘Do you believe they’re waiting for you downstairs?'”
Tang Yifeng glared fiercely at Han Zhiyuan again and planned to walk away. But Han Zhiyuan kindly reminded him, “If I’m not mistaken, there should be many people looking for you now, like in the corridors where there are bathrooms to hide in?”
Tang Yifeng stiffly turned his head to look at Han Zhiyuan, enduring his physical discomfort, and said coldly, “Mind your own business!”
“I can actually help you,” Han Zhiyuan continued with a smile.
Tang Yifeng looked at him warily after hearing this, “You can just add insult to injury!” Despite being in a desperate situation and showing his most embarrassed side in front of Han Zhiyuan, his aura only grew stronger, ready to fight to the end.
Han Zhiyuan, however, just smiled helplessly, “We know each other after all. I can’t just watch you die without helping. That’s not my principle.”
Tang Yifeng let out a cold laugh upon hearing this, as if he had heard a joke, but his situation was indeed urgent. He had been sidelined before, his music career nearly at a dead end with no one daring to use him. But Tang Yifeng was never one to give up easily; he persevered with his music no matter how difficult it was and vowed never to give up. Now, after much hardship, he was finally back on track, willing to try things he didn’t want to do, like judging talent shows or seeking sponsorships personally.
So tonight he fell into someone else’s trap. Indeed, the entertainment industry was a dirty place filled with dirty people, and he was thoroughly disgusted by it all.
He would rather start over and work a thousand times harder than others than suffer such humiliation. So, without any hesitation, he ran out, just as that bastard said, only to realize he might not escape.
“Don’t worry,” Han Zhiyuan spoke at the right time, “You can hide in my room for the night and leave in the morning. I don’t believe they will search room by room.”
“Why…why help me?” Tang Yifeng still looked wary, but his eyes had softened slightly. Just then, the elevator chimed, and both of them looked to see someone coming up. It was late at night, and besides the two people who went to find him earlier, he couldn’t think of anyone else.
“Just want to help,” Han Zhiyuan said, quickly moving to grab Tang Yifeng, “Hurry, if we don’t go now, I can’t help you anymore!”
Despite his reluctance and wariness, even doubting Han Zhiyuan’s intentions, Tang Yifeng had no other choice at this moment.
So, Han Zhiyuan half-pulled, half-carried the drug-weakened Tang Yifeng to his room. For a moment, Han Zhiyuan had a thought. Love is demonstrated through actions. Should he seize this rare opportunity?
But he immediately dismissed the thought. Given Tang Yifeng’s vengeful and meticulous nature, the place would likely become a crime scene by morning. The headline would be “Actor Attempts to Rape Genius Singer, Ends Up Killed On The Spot,” which would be a disaster.
Besides, taking advantage of someone in their moment of weakness was not something Han Zhiyuan could do.
While Tang Yifeng was taking a cold shower, Han Zhiyuan sat on the sofa outside, brainstorming what to do next. Such a rare opportunity shouldn’t be wasted.
Half an hour passed, and the shower was still running. Han Zhiyuan couldn’t help but walk to the bathroom door, “Are you done yet? It’s three o’clock. If you keep washing, it’ll be dawn.”
“Ugh~”
Amidst the sound of running water, a low, painful groan reached Han Zhiyuan’s ears, mixed with frustration. Han Zhiyuan realized that the drug’s effect couldn’t be resolved with just a cold shower.
“Need help?” Han Zhiyuan asked kindly.
“Ugh~ Get lost! Get lost!” Tang Yifeng’s voice, filled with shame and anger, came from inside, but it was clear there was urgency and irritation, along with other needs for relief.
So, Han Zhiyuan decisively opened the bathroom door. A blast of cold air hit him, making him shiver, and the sight before him made his blood boil.
He saw a naked Tang Yifeng kneeling on the wet floor, his pale skin tinged pink, possibly due to the drug or prolonged exposure to cold water. The sight was striking, making it hard for Han Zhiyuan to look away.
Tang Yifeng, facing away from the door, revealed his entire back. The scene, especially certain parts, was disturbingly familiar due to Han Zhiyuan’s knowledge of male anatomy, making him feel slightly out of control.
As the door opened, Tang Yifeng turned sharply, flustered, and faced Han Zhiyuan. His face still showed his earlier distress, now mixed with anger and shame. “What are you doing here? Get out! Get out now!”
Tang Yifeng, out of control, shouted. Han Zhiyuan saw his fair, delicate hands tightly covering his private parts, which were stubbornly erect, causing Tang Yifeng great frustration.
Han Zhiyuan, feeling a bit parched, licked his lips and ignored the roaring little leopard in front of him. He turned off the cold water that had been running for over half an hour without paying any attention to the angry glare directed his way. He then proceeded to wrap Tang Yifeng, who was soaked to the bone, in a towel, gently lifting him up. “Taking a cold shower like this will only give you a cold, nothing more,” he said seriously.
Han Zhiyuan attempted to pull Tang Yifeng out of the bathroom. However, Tang Yifeng, who was already feeling embarrassed and angry after being caught in such an awkward situation, pushed him away. “Mind your own business!”
“Why are you so stubborn?” Han Zhiyuan frowned. “I said I could help you. We’re both men, what are you afraid of?”
“Han Zhiyuan!” Tang Yifeng pushed him away, but due to his prolonged physical exertion, he was too weak to stand, let alone push Han Zhiyuan. Additionally, being barefoot on the wet bathroom floor, he stumbled and almost fell against the wall.
With quick reflexes, Han Zhiyuan caught him and, without further ado, scooped him up in his arms, holding him tightly despite his struggles.
Tang Yifeng’s face turned a deep shade of blue. “Han Zhiyuan, don’t you dare go too far!” he shouted, glaring up at Han Zhiyuan with eyes full of anger, but his frail body betrayed his nervousness.
Han Zhiyuan carried him to the bed and, under Tang Yifeng’s incredulous gaze, removed the towel he had just wrapped around him.
“What… What are you doing?” Tang Yifeng stammered, retreating in panic. As Han Zhiyuan’s hand was about to touch his bent knees, Tang Yifeng grabbed the blanket and covered himself. “Don’t push your luck, Han Zhiyuan!”
Han Zhiyuan sighed, looking innocent. “I’m just trying to help you. If you keep this in, you’ll end up in the hospital. Do you want everyone to know about this?”
“What does it have to do with you?” Tang Yifeng retorted, glaring at Han Zhiyuan. “Mind your own business!” He winced in pain, feeling weak all over.
In the next moment, the blanket was suddenly pulled away. Tang Yifeng looked up in shock to see Han Zhiyuan’s face close to his. Han Zhiyuan had taken hold of the very part that had tormented Tang Yifeng all night, causing him to cry out in shock and anger.
“Han Zhiyuan, you maniac! Let go of me!” Tang Yifeng shouted, but his body went limp from the sensation, losing control.
“Stay still,” Han Zhiyuan ordered, holding Tang Yifeng down. “I told you, doing it this way won’t work. You really don’t know how to take care of yourself.”
Tang Yifeng panted heavily, his face flushed with anger and embarrassment. He gripped the bed sheets tightly, his body reacting involuntarily to Han Zhiyuan’s help. “Not everyone is like you!” he spat out.
Han Zhiyuan chuckled. “Like me, how?” He managed to keep his composure, despite the tempting sight before him.
Tang Yifeng covered his eyes, feeling too ashamed to face the world. He felt a mixture of despair and frustration as Han Zhiyuan continued to assist him.
“Dammit…” Tang Yifeng muttered, feeling his body tense up and lose all sense of where he was or what he was doing.
At that moment, Tang Yifeng felt utterly humiliated, his mind in chaos. Han Zhiyuan, however, leaned in and whispered, “You really don’t do this often, do you?”
“Get lost!” Tang Yifeng yelled, covering his face. He never wanted to face Han Zhiyuan again, feeling utterly humiliated and defeated.
But the night wasn’t over yet. Han Zhiyuan, with a tired hand, eventually helped Tang Yifeng, who was too exhausted to stay awake, fall asleep.
The next morning, they were awakened by a startled scream. “What the hell!” Zhu You stood in shock at the sight of the two men in bed. “You… You… What did you do?!”
Tang Yifeng, still groggy, sat up, revealing his bare upper body. His movement caused a sudden pain, making him wince.
“Did you sleep with him?!” Zhu You exclaimed, his imagination running wild.
“Get out!” Tang Yifeng’s cold command brought the room’s temperature down to freezing.
However, beyond his expectations, Zhu You’s look at Han Zhiyuan had become bizarrely horrifying.
“It turns out it was forced!!! Damn, I’ll give you five minutes, Han Zhiyuan, you better explain this to me!”
After saying that, Zhu You stormed out with a doomsday expression. He needed to calm down. This was too shocking. Weren’t these two enemies? How did they end up together? When did this happen? What on earth was going on? Could it be that they were enemies turned lovers?
“Ah-hem~” Han Zhiyuan awkwardly cleared his throat, but Tang Yifeng got up, put on his bathrobe, and headed to the bathroom, completely ignoring him.
Han Zhiyuan didn’t care. He got up leisurely and walked over, leaning against the bathroom door frame with his arms crossed, staring at him without blinking.
“What exactly do you want?” Tang Yifeng finally couldn’t bear the intense stare following him everywhere and snapped.
Han Zhiyuan smiled, “My hands are sore from helping you all night. Not even a thank you?”
Tang Yifeng stiffened, his face turning red and blue from the awkwardness of Han Zhiyuan’s words. After a long moment, he gritted his teeth and said, “Thank you.”
“How? What use is a verbal thank you?” Han Zhiyuan pressed further.
Tang Yifeng suddenly realized that this person was far more shameless than he had ever known. “Then what do you want?”
“Why don’t we give it a try? I found you quite likable last night.” Han Zhiyuan continued to smile, his face full of cheer without a hint of sincerity.
Tang Yifeng looked at Han Zhiyuan like he was a madman, “Are you crazy?” Their past interactions, both overt and covert confrontations, had never reached such a disgusting point. Han Zhiyuan must be insane.
“I say, why do you always target me? Why do you seem to hate me so much?” Han Zhiyuan leaned against the door, looking puzzled. Was it just because he praised him for his looks? That would be too petty.
“Heh,” Tang Yifeng let out a cold laugh, “No reason, just dislike.”
Han Zhiyuan: … This is going to be tough.
“Try it with me,” Han Zhiyuan continued, “If you want to win over the iceberg, you can’t be afraid of the cold and must have thick skin. How do you know you don’t like me if you don’t try?”
“Are you sick?” Tang Yifeng suddenly thought this person was a bit abnormal. Ever since that inexplicable Weibo post, he’d been acting strange. Could it be that he really lost his mind?
“I say, aren’t you afraid I’ll tell everyone about last night?” Han Zhiyuan got to the point. It seemed some despicable means were necessary for someone so stubborn.
Tang Yifeng raised an eyebrow, “What exactly do you want?” As expected, this person wouldn’t help him for no reason.
“It’s simple,” Han Zhiyuan smiled, revealing his plan, “Agree to live with me for a month.”
“In your dreams!” Tang Yifeng shouted, his face turning ashen. This was insanity.
“I just want to try dating you, I won’t do anything to you,” Han Zhiyuan continued to smile shamelessly, “In other words, I just want a chance to be with you.”
“Impossible!” Tang Yifeng’s face was ashen, struggling to contain his rage, “Keep dreaming!”
“Then what about last night, and your appearance without a thread on…” Han Zhiyuan waved his phone theatrically, though in reality, he hadn’t taken any photos.
“Shameless!” Tang Yifeng gritted his teeth, hating this smiling, shameless person to the core, “I knew you were despicable, but I didn’t expect you to be this despicable. You’re utterly shameless, a completely hypocritical person.”
“So, you agree?” Han Zhiyuan completely ignored his anger, but did catch something in his words—did he see the original Han Zhiyuan as a hypocrite?
“I’d rather ruin my reputation and start over.” Tang Yifeng said coldly.
“Then half a month at least?” Han Zhiyuan’s shamelessness was astonishing.
“Impossible.”
“Alright, then ten days,” Han Zhiyuan said readily, “Rest assured, I swear I won’t do anything to you. If I wanted to, I would have done it last night. Actually, I quite like you, just never had the chance to say it.”
Tang Yifeng didn’t believe a word, not even the punctuation. But if it was just a few days, to maintain his hard-earned achievements, he was willing to try for his musical dreams. After all, as Han Zhiyuan said, he did nothing to him last night.
Moreover, he wanted to see what tricks this person had up his sleeve.
“Three days,” Tang Yifeng said coldly.
“Impossible, at least ten days.”
“Five days!”
“Five days can work, but you have to let me do some other things.”
“A week!” Tang Yifeng gritted his teeth.
“Deal.” Han Zhiyuan agreed cheerfully.
